Is Enzo Maresca the man to replace Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid?

While we might only be a fortnight into 2026, a number of European giants have already elected for a change in their respective dugouts.

Alongside Ruben Amorim’s 14-month tenure at Old Trafford coming to an end, fellow Premier League heavyweights Chelsea also completed what quickly became a messy divorce from Enzo Maresca.

However, shockwaves were sent across the footballing globe on Monday as Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso following Los Blancos’ 3-2 Super Cup defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona over in Saudi Arabie.

Although the Spanish icons might have put ex-Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa in temporary charge, the Bernabeu hierarchy are actively working in order to find a speedy permeant replacement for Alonso.

Despite some reports suggesting the Madrid President Florentino Perez is keen on trying to bring Jurgen Klopp back to management, Maresca has plenty of admirers in the Spanish capital as is regarded as a Carlo Ancelotti type figure.

Despite only leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, the Italian tactician could be set for an immediate and blockbuster return to the dugout.

Maresca’s messy west London divorce

Guiding Chelsea to a maiden Club World Cup crown over in the United States last summer, the mood around Stamford Bridge was certainly at a red-hot high.

Opening up the 2025/26 campaign with many billing them as a genuine title contenders, the Blues had received plenty of plaudits from across the globe and appeared positioned to mount a genuine charge.

However, with the wheels quickly coming off in west London, Maresca could only register a single win from any of his final seven Premier League appearances in charge and eventually left on New Year’s Day following what had become a messy end to his tenure in the capital.

With reports suggesting that the former Leicester boss had become growingly frustrated by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, Maresca’s position in SW6 quickly became untenable.

Reportedly holding discussions with Manchester City over the possibility of taking over from Pep Guardiola down the line, many Chelsea fans were disappointed by the way that things ended.

Guiding the Blues to a maiden Club World Cup crown last summer, Maresca’s stock still remains at a real high and the 45-year-old could feel that Alonso’s departure from Madrid is a golden opportunity that has pretended itself.

Enzo Maresca decided to step down as Chelsea head coach because he felt his position was untenable 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Dr1x7LecaX

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2026

A dream opportunity at the Bernabeu

Despite only leaving west London a fortnight ago, Maresca would certainly relish the opportunity for both a speedy return and the chance to take the reins in the Spanish capital.

While there might have been a huge amount of excitement around the Bernabeu following Alonso’s arrival, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss endured a turbulent time during his eight-month stay.

Watching Los Blancos relinquish their La Liga crown last season and remarkably signing off the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Alonso’s objectives were made abundantly clear.

However, despite enjoying a five-year stint with Madrid as a player and tasting both domestic and Champions League success, Alonso flattered to deceive in the dugout.

With a 3-2 Super Cup defeat against Barcelona the final nail in the 44-year-old’s Bernabeu coffin, it was also suggested that the now-former Madrid boss had some high-profile battles with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Sat four points adrift of their arch-rivals in the race to recapture their La Liga title this season, President Perez is reportedly an admirer of Maresca and views the Italian tactician as the most logical option to be Alonso’s successor.

🚨 CONFIRMED: Enzo Maresca is admired by Real Madrid. @ellarguero pic.twitter.com/lLsp2B0chr

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 13, 2026